All citizens are to be instructed to seek shelter well inland. Sheltering with family and friends or in a hotel/motel will provide the most comfort.

Persons who wish to go to an ARC public shelter should listen to official announcements on radio and TV for shelter locations and instructions. There are some pet friendly shelters however there are certain restrictions.

There are no public hurricane shelters at the beaches. Persons who need transportation to an ARC public shelter should go to the evacuation centers at Fletcher Middle School and Jacksonville Beach Elementary School. Public transportation will be available at these sites to transport people to ARC shelters.

For expected landfall by a category 1-5 hurricane, the entire civilian population of Jacksonville Beach will be evacuated.

For hurricane projections of marginal landfall, the City of Jacksonville Beach will be evacuated based on predicted damage and life safety issues.

All vehicles will be able to leave the beach at the route of their choice however if the need arises, law enforcement may redirect traffic.

The decision to close bridge traffic at the Intracoastal Waterway will be a coordinated effort between agencies. Bridge traffic will be stopped when winds reach a sustained 39 mph for 1 minute (at the top of the bridge). We encourage early evacuation to ensure you are able to leave the island.

Duval County Evacuation Routes for the Beaches

Evacuation Routes

North of Atlantic Boulevard: Drive south and turn west on Wonderwood Drive or Atlantic Boulevard, proceed to Interstate 295 North across the Dames Point Bridge (Broward Bridge) to points west via Interstate 295 and north by Interstate 95.

Between Atlantic and Beach Boulevards: Drive south and turn west on Beach Boulevard, proceed to Hart Bridge Expressway to Interstate 95 to Interstate 10 or points west.

Between Beach Blvd and the St. Johns County Line: Drive south and turn west on to Butler Boulevard, proceed to Interstate 95 and points west.

Florida Department of Transportation: Traffic information can be found at FL511.com

Re-Entry

As soon as reasonable after the storm passes, an assessment of the beach cities will be made. Depending on the level of damage, hazards, and other factors, a decision will be made to allow re-entry to the beaches. Re-entry may occur in phases based on health and safety issues and damage assessment.

Re-entry passes are not required at this time. However, you will need a valid drivers license with your Jacksonville Beach address or some other proof of residency (for example, your vehicle registration or a utility bill).

Business owners who may not live in Jacksonville Beach can provide a utility bill or other similar documentation.

Curfews may be enforced to limit the duration of the re-entry period.

Additional Safety Tips

Following are a few general guidelines to ensure safety and order when returning to your home or business after an evacuation.

Stay off the roads as much as possible.

Treat any intersection with a non-functioning traffic signal as a four-way stop.

Do not cross flooded roadways and avoid standing water.

If your power is out, turn off all appliances that are still on.

If using a generator, ensure proper air circulation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.